9/23/2012

Longchamp Le Pliage

2008 marked the 60th year of Longchamp's existence. This classic French brand has had its fair share of elegant marketing and products. Today it is well known for the beautiful designs, both in canvas and in leather. But that is not how the company began.

In 1948, Jean Cassegrain inherited his family tobacco shop and with his great inventive mind, decided to cover the pipes in leather. The leather covered pipes began to take off and become a luxury item that no one could get anywhere but Cassegrain's store. He had to pick a name for his shop and so he settled on Longchamp. He would walk by a horse race track in Paris that was called Longchamp, translating as "long field" and he decided that would be a good name for his new leather company. Longchamp eventually expanded to purses, leather goods, and many other accessories.

Philippe Cassegrain (Jean Cassegrain's son) is currently the head of the Longchamp Company. The accessories that company creates continue to expand. Longchamp has continued the tradition of designing top quality pieces that are both stylish and classy.

In 1993, Longchamp introduced its "Le Pliage" line, a collection of foldable travel bags made of vinyl and leather trim.

Longchamp's most popular line is the Le Pliage collection. There are several reasons for its popularity among both teenagers and adults. While the bag may seem pricy compared to other generic bags on the market, the price point is very reasonable considering the craftsmanship and allure of the Longchamp brand. It's great to be able to own a quality bag that is both beautiful and practical.

The Longchamp Le Pliage collection includes a canvas surface that makes clean up a breeze. The bag also folds up and snaps closed to a very convenient small traveling size when not in use. Leather accents on both the handles and top flap give the items within the Le Pliage collection a signature and stylish look that has an international appeal. The quality and style of the Le Pliage collection is recognized and enjoyed worldwide.

Pliage is French for "fold", which is exactly what this flexible bag can do. It literally folds up into a small pouch that can be stored anywhere and is perfect for travel. Le Pliage comes in a variety of colours and ranges in size from a cosmetics bag to a small handbag to an oversized duffel. Almost every season there is an interesting collaboration with contemporary artists and celebrities, who create their prints for Le Priage.

Each bag is made in France from a satiny durable nylon and is accented with rich brown leather handles. It is so well designed that you can carry just about anything in it and it still feels light and comfortable. For styles and sizes please visit longchamp.com.

I once considered getting myself a Pliage. But after remarking that many teenagers in France have made this bag theirs to go to school... I thought i would pass on to a more "elderly looking" bag ! Moreover they quickly wear off round the corners.